Indulge in decadent bars featuring a fudgy chocolate base, loaded with chopped Oreo cookies and gooey chocolate chips. The combination of crunchy cookies and soft, rich chocolate layers creates a delightful contrast in every bite. These bars are easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time. Enjoy them slightly warm for extra gooey texture, or serve chilled for firmer slices. Perfect paired with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re a tempting choice for any sweet tooth.
Oreo Brownie Bars are the cheat-day treat my family requests for birthdays and study sessions alike. Every time I pull this pan from the oven, the kitchen fills with the scent of warm chocolate and everyone magically appears, ready to argue over who gets the edge pieces. If you like the fudgy chew of brownies mixed with little pockets of chocolate cookies, these bars are pure dessert happiness.
I made these for a sleepover once and woke up to not a crumb left on the plate. They are irresistible straight from the oven or chilled from the fridge
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: provides the brownie structure and chew Aim for unbleached flour for best results
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: gives that deep cocoa richness Choose a Dutch-process for smoother flavor but any brand works
- Baking powder: ensures the brownies are light and rise just enough Check for freshness so you get the right lift
- Salt: balances all the sweetness and amps up the chocolate taste Use flaky sea salt as a finishing touch if you like
- Unsalted butter: delivers the fudgy mouthfeel and makes each bite luxurious Always use real butter for maximum flavor
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and creates that crackly brownie top Make sure to break up clumps for even mixing
- Eggs: add richness and help bind everything together Opt for large eggs at room temperature for easy blending
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the chocolate with a warm, sweet aroma Go pure vanilla for the best flavor hit
- Oreo cookies: add signature crunch and creamy pockets Roughly chop so every bite has a mix of big and small pieces
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: melt slightly and add gooey pools of chocolate Try mini chips for even distribution
- Best ingredients: When possible, pick fresh eggs, real butter, and good cocoa for the best-tasting bars
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Begin by heating your oven to 350°F 175°C Line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave a bit hanging over two sides This helps lift the brownies out neatly later and keeps cleanup quick
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt Whisking not only blends the ingredients but also aerates the flour which helps achieve a tender crumb
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, pour melted unsalted butter and sugar Whisk these together thoroughly until the mixture looks glossy and smooth Add each egg one at a time whisking well after each so the batter is silky Stir in vanilla extract to infuse the base with warmth
- Fold Together:
- Sprinkle the dry mix over the wet ingredients and gently fold with a silicone spatula Just mix until you see the last streak of flour disappear Overmixing can make brownies tough not tender
- Add the Stars:
- Fold in chopped Oreos and chocolate chips reserve a few pieces of Oreo for the top Mix gently to keep those crunchy bits from breaking up too much
- Spread and Decorate:
- Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it all the way to the corners Press reserved Oreo pieces gently over the surface for that bakery look and extra cookie texture
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the pan into your oven and bake for twentyeight to thirtytwo minutes Watch for the top to look set and shiny with a faint jiggle Test with a toothpick near the center it should come out with a few moist crumbs not wet batter This gives you that classic fudgy center
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the brownies cool completely right in the pan Not only does this make cutting easier but the flavors deepen as they rest Once cooled lift out using your parchment handles then cut into bars
My favorite part is pressing extra Oreos on top so every piece gets showy bites of cookie It is a tradition for my kids to sprinkle them on just before the brownies go in the oven sometimes sneaking a few for themselves
Storage Tips
Once fully cooled store your Oreo Brownie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days For longer storage keep them in the fridge and they will stay fudgy for nearly a week If you want to freeze cut into bars and wrap them individually in plastic followed by foil They taste wonderful thawed at room temperature or even slightly chilled for a chewy treat
Ingredient Substitutions
No semisweet chocolate chips Try dark or milk chocolate or even white chocolate chunks For a glutenfree version swap the allpurpose flour for your favorite one to one GF blend and check the Oreos are gluten free Swap Oreos for chocolate sandwich cookies with a fun flavor like mint or birthday cake for different spins Nut butter chips are another fun mix in
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for an impressive sundae Kids love them dusted with powdered sugar If you are feeling extra decadent drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for a bake shop finish Fudgy brownies also make fun bases for ice cream sandwiches or as a sweet surprise packed in lunchboxes
Cultural and Historical Context
Brownies have been a beloved American treat since the early 1900s evolving from cake like squares to the dense fudgy bars we know now Oreo Brownie Bars are a mash up of two iconic classics Cookies and brownies blend nostalgia and comfort in each bite These are a staple in bake sales and celebrations in my family and never fail to bring people together
Seasonal Adaptations
Add chopped peppermint candies in winter for a festive twist Mix in fresh raspberries and white chocolate chips during berry season Top with mini marshmallows and broil for a summer s mores variation
Success Stories
My neighbor once made these bars for her daughter’s sleepover party and returned the pan with a thank you note asking for the recipe Friends have told me these are always the first desserts to disappear at bake sales I love seeing the surprise on people s faces when they bite into an Oreo chunk for the first time
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to get ahead make a double batch and slice into bars once cool Wrap individually and store in a freezer bag These bars can be microwaved for twenty seconds for a gooey late night snack or pulled out for last minute company They do not lose their fudgy texture even after freezing
Serve these up for your next family movie night or bake sale and watch them vanish. Rich, easy, and filled with Oreo magic—these bars never fail to impress.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?
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Yes, you can substitute other chocolate sandwich cookies or try using a mix of different cookies for varied texture and flavor.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
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Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter for fudgy results.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
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Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free sandwich cookies to make a gluten-free version of these bars.
- → Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
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Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious, crunchy element to the chocolatey base.
- → How should I store leftover bars?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- → Is it possible to freeze them?
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Yes, freeze sliced bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.